The Gorgon (1964)

In a rural village in 1910 Germany, a series of unsolved murders have occurred during a five year period. Its victims all turned to stone upon their death. Out of fear, the authorities turn a blind eye but when the son (Jeremy Longhurst) of a prominent Professor (Michael Goodliffe) is made the scapegoat for the latest victim's killing, he sets in motion a series of events which will reveal the horrifying truth. Directed by Hammer veteran Terence Fisher, this is one of Hammer films better horrors. It's unique in that it differs from the usual vampire, Frankenstein and witchcraft films they were churning out at the time. Instead it goes all the way back to Greek mythology and the legend of the gorgons (Medusa being the most famed of the sisters). The film has an atmosphere of genuine mystery without depending too much on shocks. The film benefits by the presence of the two horror icons, Peter Cushing as the protector of the "gorgon" and Christopher Lee as a professor intent on exposing the truth. With Barbara Shelley, Richard Pasco (truly awful) and Jack Watson.